Texas Folklife Festival celebrates 39 years of all things Texan

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Texas Folklife Festival

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(June 4, 2010)--The Texas Folklife Festival, one of the largest cultural celebrations in Texas, is calling the 39th festival the "Lone Star Party." The three-day extravaganza, running June 11-13 at the Institute of Texan Cultures, will feature a performance from the Grammy award-winning Los Texmaniacs and an immense sampling of foods, music, dance, costumes, crafts and other artistic traditions. Young and old will come to play and celebrate the heritage and traditions of the Lone Star State.

Each year, 40 cultural groups from across the state gather at Folklife to share their heritage and traditions through food, music, dance, storytelling and artisanship with some 60,000 visitors. Covering more than 20 acres, the festival includes nine stages for music and dance, more than 150 unique food items, a crafts area featuring the work of more than 65 vendors and access to the Institute of Texan Cultures main exhibit floor.

New this year, the festival will feature a performance by Los Texmaniacs, who won the Grammy for best Tejano album for their work on "Borders y Bailes." Recorded on the Smithsonian Folkways label, the institute secured the group through its new affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution.

Joining the festival this year are the Asociacion Amigos de Colombia, who will have a food booth; Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, offering Cajun-style fried mushrooms and fried Twinkies; and Christ the King Church, making Mexican food selections. New artisans include Saxon Ironworks, Inca Wasi ceramics and a variety of other vendors including leatherworkers, western ware sellers, henna artists and tapestries.

Folklife brings many aspects of the institute's exhibit floor to life including the unique skills, treasures and cultures of participants from small Texas towns. In addition to meeting participants from Bandera, Lytle, Pearsall and Stockdale, guests can view the "Small Town Texas" photo exhibit by UTSA President Ricardo Romo. The German experience in Texas will be highlighted by the Wurstfest Association's annual participation and the Humanities Texas exhibit, "Lone Star and Eagle," telling the story of German migration to Texas.

Modeled after the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C., the Texas Folklife Festival began in 1972 and has become a thriving community created each year by people who enjoy the diversity of Texas and Texans.

"San Antonians and Texans from near and far return year after year to this annual celebration," said festival director Jo Ann Andera. "For many, this is the only time when those who share the same heritage and culture see each other, as well as see their friends from other 'countries.' Folklife is a cross-cultural, cross-generational event that people look forward to each year. Third generations are now participating, which is important if we are going to keep the unique and diverse cultural traditions of Texas alive."

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Texas Folklife Festival hours

  • Friday, June 11, 5-11 p.m.
  • Saturday, June 12, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
  • Sunday, June 13, noon-7 p.m.

Admission

  • Adult (ages 12+): $10 advance, $15 gate
  • Children (ages 6-11): $5 advance, $6 gate
  • Age 5 and under, free
  • Groups (20+): $8 per person, available in advance online only

Advance ticket locations include H-E-B stores, Fort Sam Houston, Lackland Air Force Base, Randolph Air Force Base, Institute of Texan Culture museum store and the Institute of Texan Cultures website. There may be convenience fees for advance purchase at some locations and online.

Downtown parking is available at multiple garages, parking lots, and meters within walking distance of the Institute of Texan Cultures. Guests are strongly encouraged to take advantage of VIA Park and Ride services available from the Crossroads Park and Ride, Randolph Park and Ride, Blossom Athletic Center or Madla Transportation Center. The Yellow Route Streetcar passes the festival grounds approximately every 10 minutes; stops are available throughout downtown.

The Institute of Texan Cultures is on the UTSA HemisFair Park Campus, 801 E. Durango Blvd., a short distance from the Alamo and the River Walk. For more information, call 210-458-2300 or visit TexasFolklifeFestival.org.

 

 

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